TACOMA, Wash. — The two-time defending Northwest Conference Champion Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team struck early but was unable to hold on against Midwest juggernaut Wheaton College as the Lutes fell 2-1 to the Thunder in the home opener on Friday at East Field.

"Today was another tough loss to start the season, but there are plenty of positives to be found as we continue to grow and find ourselves in this early part of the year," said Head Coach John Yorke.

"We've played three excellent teams to start the year and have steadily improved in each game. We always knew that with such a tough schedule and so much turnover in our team this year that tye start of the season would have its challenges. We're very close to putting it all together."

Ty Brunner made his presence felt early in the game, scoring the game's opening goal on a laser shot from the far right side of the field for his first goal as a Lute. 
 
PLU's (0-3) advantage withered early in the second half with the Thunder scoring three minutes into the second half and converting on a penalty kick goal two minutes later to seize a 2-1 advantage. It was a lead Wheaton (2-0-1) would maintain the rest of the game despite PLU outshooting the visitors 10-3 in the second half.
 
Pacific Lutheran outgunned Wheaton 18-10 over the course of the game, holding a 6-4 edge in shots on frame. 
 
Chris Jamrok played all 90 minutes in goal for the Lutes, making two saves. Jack Krahel made five saves and allowed one goal to earn the win for Wheaton.

"Great goal by Ty today. He has the ability to finish and we're excited to get him going and scoring goals."

The Lutes finish off their non-league slate on Sunday, welcoming University of California-Santa Cruz to East Field. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m.